Clothes dryers are one of the biggest electricity users in many American homes. If you dry several loads a week, the method you use can make a real difference to your utility bill. Here is how electric, gas and heat pump dryers compare with heated drying racks and dehumidifiers, and which makes sense for your home.
Rough estimates at the US average residential rate of about 17 cents per kWh (your rate may be much higher or lower depending on your state):
Standard electric dryers are the most common and the cheapest to buy, but the most expensive to run. Gas dryers cost more upfront and need a gas line, but are usually cheaper per load in areas with low natural gas prices. Heat pump dryers recycle heat instead of venting it outside. They use far less energy, need no external vent, and are gentler on fabrics. The trade-offs are a higher purchase price and longer drying times. ENERGY STAR certified models are the most efficient, and some utilities and state programs offer rebates on them, so check before you buy.
A heated drying rack has warmed bars and usually costs $50 to $150. It suits apartments without in-unit laundry, delicates that should not go in a dryer, and anyone trying to cut dryer use.
Models with a cover dry noticeably faster, and a built-in timer prevents it running all night.
A dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air so clothes on a regular rack dry much faster. Many have a laundry mode. It also helps with damp basements and condensation, so it can do two jobs at once. Look at the pints-per-day rating: 35 to 50 pints suits most basements and larger rooms. Expect to pay $150 to $300 for a good model.
Dryers and dehumidifiers see big markdowns around Black Friday and holiday weekends such as Labor Day and Memorial Day. Compare current prices across retailers on sales365days and check our Sale page. Photo: Unsplash. Affiliate disclosure: sales365days may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. This does not affect the prices we show or how we rank products.